MINUTES 


of  tae 


»ORTB  CAROLINA 


Free  Will  Baptist  General  Conference, 

Held  at  Grimsley's  Diccting  host^c,  Precise  county,  IV.  O. 

On  the  6  th,  1th,  8th  and  9th  days  of  November,  A.  D.  1845, 


THtfRSDAf,  Nov.  6th,  1845. 

Agreeably  to  previous  appointment,  the  Minister?,  Messengers,  and  Delegates  of 
the  North  Carolina  Free  Will  Baptist  Conference,  met  at  Grimsley's  meeting  house, 
Greene  county,  North  Carolina. 

According  to  appointment,  at  12  o'clock,  Elder  Thomas  Moore  introduced  divinO 
service,  and  preached  from  the  4th  chapter  and  14th  verse  of  St.  Paul's  letter  to  tho 
Ephesians,  viz.  "That  we  henceforth  be  no  more  children,  tossed  to  and  fro,  and  car- 
ried about  with  every  wind  of  doctrine,  by  the  sleight  of  men,  and  cunning  craftinessy 
whereby  they  lie  in  wait  to  deceive/'  ° 

Conference  was  then  duly  organized,  by  choosing  Elder  Thomas  Moore,  Modera- 
tor, ElderCalvin  Ruff,  Clerk;  and  brother  Willis  Murphrey,  Assistant  Clerk. 

On  motion  of  Elder  Thomas  Moore,  agreed  that  brethren  James  Garland,  and  Hen> 
T  Sugg9>  be  appointed  a  Committee  of  Finance,  to  receive  contributions,  settle  with 
the  Treasurer,  and  report  to  Conference. 

On  motion  of  Elder  Jeremiah  Heath,  agreed  that  Elder  Little  J.  Utley  be  invited 
to  a  seat  with  us  in  conference. 

On  motion  of  Elder  John  F.  Jones  agreed  that  Elder  Jacob  Utley,  Elder  John  F. 
Jones  and  brother  William  Forice  be  a  committee,  to  supply  the  congregation, and  ftlf 
the  stage  with  preachers  during  this  Conference 

On  rwotion  of  Elder  Jesse  Vause,  agreed  that  Conference  adjourn  until  Friday,  10 
o'clock,  A.  M.    Prayer  and  praise  by  Elder  Roderick  Powel. 

Friday,  Nov.  7th.    Met  agreeably  to  appointment.    Prayer  by  Elder  W.  Witchard. 

On  motion  of  Elder  Jesse  Vause,  agreed  that  the  letters  from  the  several  church** 
be- called  for  and  read,  .  . 


The  letters  were  called  for  in  order,  and  read. 

The  number  of  members,  delegates,  amount  of  contributions,  &c.  is  as  the  following 


table  exhibits: 


CHURCHES 

AND 

COUNTIES 


North  East,  Duplin, 
Probability,  do. 
Beaver  Cretk,  Jones, 
Leusen  Swamp.  Lenoir, 
Wheat  Swamp,  do. 
Bethel.  do. 
Sand  Hill,  do. 
Woodenton,  do. 
Hickory  Grove,,  do. 
Parker's,  Pin, 
Imitation,  do. 
Reedy  Branch,  do. 
Little  Creek,  Greene, 
Grimsley,  do. 
Hookerion,  do. 
Core  Creek,  Craven, 
Bachelor's  Creek,  do. 
Newbern,  do. 
Brine's  Creek,  do. 
Sion\  Run,  Cumberland, 
Wire  Creek,  Cai  lei  et, 
Island  (Ve  k,  .loni  s, 
PmJ  Grove.  VV  ay  ne, 
Wood  *"  warn  p.  do. 
Fr  ee  Union,  Greene, 
El  Bethel.  Rob<  son, 
Hog  Swamp,  do. 
Tar  River,  Pitt, 
Hart's,  Gnenn, 
Goose  (  reek.  Craven, 
Hester  rm  h.  Bladen, 
Jones'  Bay.  Beaufort, 
Milton  B.  River,  (  raven, 
Gum  Swamp,  Put, 
Oak  Grove,  do. 
Gatem's  m.  h.  Columbus, 
Lumberton,  Robeson, 
Parker  Branch,  Jones, 


DELEGATES. 


Daniel  Dai), 
Joshua  Hardison, 

Jesse  Coward, 
James  Garland, 
Elijah  V-  Pit i n  an , 
James  Daugheriy, 
N.  Hill,  H.  Cunningham 
Robert  Daly, 
Blunt  *-peir, 
By  letter, 

H.  Smith,  B.  Crafford, 
Wm.  Fetes'.  J.  Ki'rel, 
M.  MbriMon.  W.  Mnrphrey, 
Benj   Canada,  H.  Suggs, 
Calvin  V\  illiams, 
Joel  I).  Bull, 
Hiram  G.  Paul, 
By  Idler. 

Thus   J onega  S  N  Ernies, 
Ar.  Mm  ill,  Wm.  Springer 
Not  represffiied. 
Council  Bizzel, 
Aaron  Parks, 

Jawb  Raspbur  v.  L  Brand,  | 
Wm  C.  Miller,  John  Foley, j 
Hv  letter. 

B:iS«ell  SykeS, 

Turner  May,  .Ino.  B.  Baker.! 
Writ.  Y.  Paul,  S    S.  Simson.l 
Kiilis  Philips,  W. Thmnps 
By  letter. 
By  leCer. 
Allen  U  iiidham. 

By  letter. 
By  lefer; 

Hampton  Williams. 


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M  C 

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O 

6. 

5 

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5 

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3 

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n 

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122 
10 
14 

1  50 
50 

o 

98 

2  00 

■  7 

2 

4  2 

128 
14 

2  00 
1  00 

2 

27 

1  00 

20 

1 

SO 

1  00 

7 
1  1 

4 

4  1 

■  1  "< 
1.  1 

o  4 

169 
■10 
24 
4-1 

2  00 
1  00 
50 
1  00 

30 

'  -2 

o 

1 

2  5 
1 

192 
129 
116 

27 

2  00 
2  00 
2  00 
1  00 

7 

4 

D  :•  b 

I  00 

2 

2 

41 

1  00 

8 

I 

1  » 

3  b 

:<0 

1  00 
50 

4 

23 
1  2 

1  00 

5 

»! 

o 

4  1 

1  00 

6 

38 

1  50 

92 

1  25 

1 

i 

1  H 

24 

1  00 

6 

5  1 

130 

l  fh 

3! 

.51 

75 

1, 

1 

36 

1  00 

6 

2 

90 
32 

1  50 
I  00 

1 

4 

27 

1  Oo 

3 

1 

27 

50 

25 

45 

6 

21 

50 

18 

50 

10 

1  00 

95 

2  I  > 

S,42  2086  39.  20 

Forty  cents  gratuitously  bestowed  .by  Ten  IMiie  Swamp  for  Minutes,  to  be  sent  to 
Robeson  county  with  other  packages,  by  mail,  and  the  postage  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
general  fund. 

On  motion  agreed,  that  the  Treasurer  pro  tern,  pay  over  to  the  General  Treasurer 
the  money  remaining  in  his  hands. 

On  motion  of  Elder  Jesse  Vause,  agreed  that  the  Committee  of  Finance,  retire,  set- 
tle with  the  Treasurer,  and  report  to  Conference. 


ft 

The  Committee  retired,  settled  w  ith  the  Treasurer,  &  submitted  the  following  report:; 
Balance  on  hand,  of  last  year's  contributions,        -        -        S3  00 
Contributions  this  year,  -  -•  f»  60 

Amount  now  on  hand,.  -  -•  -  #42  GO 

JAMEs  GARLAND.  >  ,. 
HENRY  SUr.GS,  l,omm|ltc,!- 
On  motion  of  Elder  Jeremiah  Heath,  agreed  that  Elder  Calvin  Ruff,  transcribe  and; 
prepare  these  Minutes  for  the  press. 

On  motion  of  Elder  Thomas  Moore,  agreed  that  t  wolvc  hundred  copies  of  these. 
Minutes  (1200)  be  printed,  and  distributed  to  the  .several  churches  composing  the- 
Free  Will  Baptist  Conference,  N.  C. 

On  motion  of  brother  Willis  Murphrey,  agreed  that  Elder  James  Moore,  contract 
for  the  printing  of  these  Minutes,  and  distribute  them  to  the  several  churches. 

On  motion  of  Elder  John  Barrow,  agreed  that  Elder  James  Moore  be  paid  eight 
dollars  ($S  00)  for  his  trouble,  of  attending  to  the  printing,  and  distribution  of  these- 
Minutes. 

On  motion  of  Eider  Jacob  Utle_y,  agreed  that  the  following  names  be  enrolled  or* 
the  list  of  preachers,  viz.  Williby  Witchard,  Hyram  G.  Paul,  Abraham  Taylor,  Tho- 
mas Reeves,  and  Brinkly  White. 

On  motion  of  Elder  Jesse  Vause;  agreed  that  Elder  James  Moore,  preach  the  In-, 
troduetory  Sermon  at  the  next  General  Conference,  and  in  case  of  his  failure,  Elder 
Jesse  Vausfe. 

Voted  that  the  next  General  Conference  lie  held  at  Little  Creek,  in  Greene  county-, 
North  Carolina,  and  to  commence  tire  Thursday  before  the  second  Lord8*  Day  in  No- 
vember, 18  16. 

On  motion,  agreed  that  Conference  close.    Praise  and  prayer  by  Elder  Jesse  Vause. 
Calvix  Rtiff,  Clerk.  THOMAS  MOORE,  Moderator. 

Willis  Murph-rsy,  Assistant  Clerk. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  Elders  and  preachers  belonging  to  the  Free  Will  Baptist 
Conference  in  N.  Carolina,  viz. 

1  Jeremiah  Heath,  13  Jeremiah   Roe,  25  Redding  Rayford, 

2  Jacoh  Utley,  14  John  Williams,  26  VVihon  Daniels, 

3  John  F.  Jones,  ]5  Theop.  Slaughter,  27  Willi  by  Witchard, 

4  Difktfson  Dttl,  16  William  F.  Bryant,        28  H.G.Paul. 

5  Alfred  Moore,  17  Henry  D.  Cason,  2!)  Abraham  Taylor, 

6  Roderick  IWel,  IS  David"  H.  Miller.  30  Thos.  Reeves, 

7  John  Creekman,  19  Benjamin  Albritton,         31   Brinkly  White, 

8  Charles  Holland,  20  MatiKeW  Manning,   

9  James  Moore,  21  R.  A.  Witherington,  N.B.  Through  the  request 

10  Thomas  Moore,  22  William  J.  Baker,  of  Elder  .lesseV  ause  his  name 

11  John  Barrow.  23  Calvin  Rufi,  is   left  blank   in  the  list  of 

12  Stephen  D.  Collins,  24  Robei  t  Henderin,  preachers 

Under  the  direction  of  the  Committee  of  Arrangement,  the  stage  was  supplied,  and 
the  congregation  entertained  as  follows  viz. 

Friday,  Nov.  7th.  Elder  David  H.  Miller  introduced  divine  service  and  preach- 
ed from  Paul's  letter  to  the  Hebrews,  6th  chap,  and  2nd  verse,  viz.  "Of  the  doctrine  of 
baptisms,  and  of  laying  on  of  hands,  and  of  resurrection  of  the  dead,  and  of  eternal 
judgment."  Elder  John  Barrow  followed  from  Paul's  first  letter  to  Timothy,  4th 
chap,  and  10th  verse,  viz.  "For  therefore  we  both  labor  and  suffer  reproach,  because 
we  trust  in  the  living  God  who  is  the  Saviour  of  all  men,  especially  of  those  that  be- 
lieve." Elder  John  Williams  followed  from  Genesis,  45th  chap,  and  latter  clause  of 
the  24th  verse,  viz.  "See  (hat  ye  fall  not  out  by  the  way." 

Saturday,  Nov.  Slh.    Elder  James  Moore  introduced  divine  service  and  preach- 


ted  from  St.  Luke's  gospel,  15th  chap,  and  first  clause  of  the  13th  Terse,  riz.  "I  will 
fcrise  and  go  to  my  Father."  Elder  David  H.  Miller  followed  from  the  19th  chap,  of 
St.  John's  gospel  and  latter  clause  of  the  26th  verse,  viz.  "Woman,  behold  thy  son." 

Elder  L.  J.  Utley  followed  from  the  17th  chap,  of  St.  John's  gospel,  latter  clause  of 
the  4th  verse,  viz.  "I  have  finished  the  work  which  thou  gavest  me  to  do." 

Sunday,  Nov.  9th.  Elder  David  H.  Miller  introduced  divine  service  by  prayer, 
after  which  Elder  Stephan  D.  Collins  preached  from  St.  Luke's  gospel,  24th  chap  and 
48th  verse,  viz.  "And  ye  are  witnesses  of  these  things."  Elder  Jeremiah  Heath  fol- 
lowed from  St.  Matthew's  gospel,  13th  chap,  and  33rd  verse,  viz.  "The  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  like  Unto  leaven,  which  a  woman  took,  and  hid  in  three  measures  of  meal,  till 
ihe  Whole  was  leavened."    Elder  Jacob  Utley  followed  and  closed  by  prayer  &  praise. 

The  times  of  holding  the  annual  and  quarterly  meetings. 


CHURCHES  AND  COUNTIES. 


Annual  meetings. 


QUARTERLY  MEETINGS. 


Norlh  East,  Duplin, 
Probability,  do. 
Boaver  Creek,  Jones, 
Leu  sen  Swamp,  Lenoir, 
Wheat  Swamp,  do. 
Bethel  do. 
Sandhill  do. 
Wood'enton,  do. 
Hickory  Grove,  do. 
Parker's  M.  H.?  Pill, 
Imitation  do. 
Reedy  Branch-,  d6. 
Li  Hie  Creek,  Greene, 
Grimsley,  do. 
Hookerton,  do. 
Cor©  Creek,  Craven, 
Bachelor's  Creek,  do. 
Newbern,  do, 
Brice's  Creek,  do. 
Stony  Run,  Cumberland, 
Wire  Creek,  Carteret, 
Inland  Creek,  J  ones, 
Piny  Grove,  Wayne, 
flood  Swamp,  do. 
Free  Union,  Greene, 
El  Bethel,  Robeson, 
Hog  swamp,  do. 
Goose  Creek,  Craven, 
Hester  M.  H.,  Bladen, 
Jones'  Bay,  Beaufort, 
M4'ltons  Craven, 
Tar  river,  Pitt, 
Tatem's  m.  h  Columbus 
LumbertOn,  Robeson, 
Parker's  branch, m  h  Jones  3 J 


list  Sunday  in 

Aug. 

2nd 

do 

Sept. 

3d 

do 

Aug. 

1st 

do 

Octoberi 

3d 

ilo 

Nov. 

l4lh 

do 

Sept. 

land 

do 

Sept. 

1st 

do 

Sept 

:2nd 

do 

October. 

3d 

do 

Sept. 

list 

do 

Oct. 

do 

Nov. 

|3d 

do 

Oct. 

12  nd 

do 

Oct. 

i4th 

dt> 

Aug 

1st 

do 

Nov. 

2nd 

do 

Sept. 

!2nd 

do 

Aug. 

(4th 

do 

Aug. 

'1st 

do 

Oct. 

'2nd 

do 

Oct. 

list 

do 

Oct. 

l*t  Sunday  ill 
2nd  do  Dec. 
3rd  do  Feb 
list  do  .Ian  , 
1 3d  do  Feb 
|4;h  do  Dec. 
|2nd  do  De?. 
1st  do  Dec. 
{2nd  do  Jan 
3d.  do  Dee.. 
1st  do  Jan  , 
1st  do  Feb.. 
3d  do  Jan., 
2nd  do  Jan. 
ith  do  Feb 
1st  do  Feb., 
2nd  do  Dec 
2nd  do  Feb 
4th  do  Feb. 
1st  do  Jan 
2nd  do  Jan 
1st  do  Jan., 


list 

do 

Oct. 

1st 

do 

Sept. 

2  rid 

do 

Sept. 

1st 

do 

Oct. 

4th 

do 

Aug. 

3d 

do 

Aug. 

4  th 

do 

Oct. 

3.1 

do 

Oct. 

3d 

do 

Oct. 

Feb.May&Nov, 
,  M  ^rch  &  .)  une, 
,  May  and  Nov-. 
,  April  and  July. 
,  May  and  Aug. 
,  March  &  June, 
,  March  &  June-. 
,  March  Si  June, 
,  April  &  July. 
,  March  &  June. 

April  and  July, 
,  May  and  Aug. 
,  April  and  July, 
,  April  and  July, 
,  May  and  Nor, 
May  and  Aug. 
. ,  March  &  J  una. 
.,  May  and  NoV. 
,  May  and  No*. 
,  April  and  July. 
,  April  and  July. 
April  and  Jul}'. 


1st  do  Jan.,  April  and  July. 
1st  do  Dec.-,  March  &  June. 
2nd  do  Dec,  March  &  June. 

1st  do  Jan.,  April  and  July. 
4th  do  Nov.,  Feb.  and  May. 

a  it  it 

3d  do  Nov  ,  Feb.  and  May. 
4th  do  Jan.,  April  and  July. 
3d  do  Jan.,  April  and  July. 
3d   do  Jan.,  April  and  July. 


Dear  brethren,  while  in  the  discharge  of  the  duty  devolving  Upon  me  by  order  of 
the  General  Conference,  I  feel  happy  to  say  in  conclusion,  that  during  the  sitting  of 
&ur  Conference  peace  and  harmony  seemed  to  prevail;  for  which  I  feel  abundantly  to 
thank  our  adorable  Creator,  hoping  that  God  will  abundantly  bless  our  endeavors,  and 
crown  our  meeting  with  the  best  of  consequences.  0  that  God  may  help  us  to  love 
each  other  more  fervently,  and  conform  us  more  to  his  holy  and  righteous  will,  and 
strengthen  us  in  his  love,  is  the  prayer  of  your  brother.       CALVIN  RUFF,  Clk. 


